Abstract

The self-frequency-doubling crystal Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Borate (NYAB) is an ideal candidate for diode-pumped compact green laser system. Because it has several unique features including broad and strong absorption at the diode laser wavelengths, high nonlinear optical coefficient, high damage threshold, and low luminescence quenching effects. Besides it has shorter fluorescence lifetime than Nd: YAG crystal that allows the laser to operate at relatively higher repetition rate. The operation of diode-pumped NYAB at green wavelength 531 nm has been reported by us and several groups recently.¹-³ However, the reported green laser output powers are relatively low due partly to the poor quality of the quality of the crystal which is still under development. Besides the relatively strong absorption at green wavelength is also considered to be a contributing factor. We report here the achievement of the high power output obtained from a NYAB crystal under both cw and Q-switched operation at room temperature.

© 1992 Optical Society of America